BY ALL APPEARANCES - Dawn Kinzer - One Free Book

Welcome back, Dawn. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write Christian fiction because I believe in the power of story to comfort, challenge, and inspire. I know stories that include real struggles and hurts, while still offering hope, can change lives.

However, I never set out to write romance. I planned to write women’s fiction—stories that focused on female relationships and today’s issues. But what naturally poured out of me fit into the romance genre.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

One of the happiest days of my life was when my first child was born and I became a mom. I was in awe, and that day completely changed my focus and purpose. Then children were followed by grandchildren, and they blessed me even more!

How has being published changed your life?

Publication can validate your work, and I think I’m taken more seriously as a writer by not only people in the industry, but also by friends and family. It’s been rewarding to learn that readers are enjoying my novels, but it means even more to know that they’re being impacted by my stories. To get that kind of feedback makes me believe that I’ve found my calling.

What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading a series of Christmas novellas by Lynnette Bonner. She’s releasing seven—one a week!

What is your current work in progress?

I recently joined six other authors in a project. We’ll be offering a boxed set of seven contemporary novellas in 2020, and they’ll all be new Christmas romances.

What would be your dream vacation?

I love theme parks. So, one dream vacation would be a week at a Disney resort and time to play in Disneyland or Disney World while also having time to relax. 

How do you choose your settings for each book?

When I wrote my three-book historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton, the setting was inspired by my Wisconsin hometown. The idea for the series came from renewing my interest in the town’s history, so the location for the stories was a no-brainer. Since I was third-generation to be raised there, I was already familiar with the surroundings.

After living in the Seattle area for twenty-five years, I wanted to share what I love about the Pacific Northwest. We’re also told as writers to write what we know! I still needed to research pieces, but it helped to live here while creating settings for By All Appearances, my contemporary romance.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I would spend the evening with my eighty-seven-year-old dad. My mom passed away a year ago, and although people try to drop in or call, the days and nights get long for him. He lives thousands of miles away in another state, so I only get to physically spend time with him once or twice a year.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I enjoy planting and growing flowers in the spring and summer. An abundance of colorful blooms makes me happy! I’m a fan of HGTV, and I have a need to be creative, so sometimes that results in making changes around the house. However, my husband and I have agreed that at some point, we need to stop remodeling!

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I struggle with staring at a blank page and starting a new article or book. It can be paralyzing, even if I’ve outlined the project. The only way to get past it is to start typing. Once I begin, the words start to flow.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Take your time to learn the craft and don’t be in a rush to submit your book to an agent or publisher—or to self-publish. Read books on writing, attend workshops and conferences, and make friends with other writers. Genuine friendships made in the business are blessings! Not only because you can learn from those with more experience, but because in the Christian writing community, people are willing to give the support and encouragement needed to keep going in this tough industry. Those friendships may turn out to be the best part of your journey!

Tell us about the featured book.

By All Appearances is a contemporary Christian romance novel set in Seattle about an attractive special events planner from a wealthy family and a disfigured musician whose lives have not gone according to plan.

Back Cover Copy …

Liana Tate, a special events planner grew up in a high-profile family. No matter what she does, Liana feels she never measures up.

Bryan Langley, a talented musician, was close to signing a recording contract when a barn fire left part of his face severely burned. He survived, but his career did not.

When Liana’s father hires Bryan as a caretaker on the family estate outside of Seattle, Liana’s and Bryan’s lives become entangled. He risks public humiliation for Liana’s success, and she encourages him to use his musical gifts, despite his reluctance. Thrown together, will they achieve their elusive dreams? And will the two find the love and acceptance they yearn for, or will their actions only drive each other away?

Please give us the first page of the book.

If Liana Tate’s instincts proved right, fantasy could change her reality.

She dropped her purse and car keys on the oak desk covered with stuffed binders, fabric swatches, and catering menus. The antique furniture looked out of place, considering its contemporary surroundings in her home. But her grandfather had penned stories at that desk—Liana couldn’t part with it.

Six months. She blew out a stream of air and rubbed her temples. What was she thinking? Stubborn pride had taken the place of common sense. Earlier that evening, while meeting with the hospital gala committee, she’d jumped in over her head and now needed a lifeboat to save her. The commitment involved rescuing one of the most anticipated yearly events in Seattle from sinking. With her reputation as an event planner on the line, if the revised plan failed, she’d be tempted to hide out deep in the Cascades.

If successful, she’d have all the clients she could handle. Then maybe she could finally afford an office in the city and an assistant to go with it. She slumped against the desk. In her heart’s secret and deep-rooted insecurities, she knew everything—including one day having a fancy office—came down to proving she was worthy of belonging to her high-profile family.

Even more important than a personal career boost, funds raised during the event would provide care to thousands of patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Liana couldn’t fail those needing treatment at the adult and pediatric trauma center. She could only imagine the stress and heartbreak of sitting by a child’s hospital bedside, fearing your family might be turned away when all resources were drained.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find my on any of these online sites: Author Website, Faithfully Write Editing, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Amazon Author Page, BookBub, and Goodreads.

The long link to By All Appearances:

https://www.amazon.com/All-Appearances-Contemporary-Christian-Romance-ebook/dp/B07YVMMSNX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FRERLJIIE369&keywords=by+all+appearances+by+dawn+kinzer&qid=1573156624&sprefix=By+All+%2Caps%2C493&sr=8-1

The short link: https://amzn.to/2OxwuTo

Thank you, Dawn, for sharing your new novel with us. I’m eager to read it.

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